Does it really matter what we believe?
I have many beliefs but what I believe about my faith in God does not expect me to act in faith toward Him unless that faith is an intelligent faith or its neither blind or irrational. Some beliefs are very important; others aren't so important. What I believe about my wife faith in Jesus is a very important to me. What I believe about which choices I make is quite as significant. Some feel that what we believe about Jesus Christ is not too important and other simply don't believe. But many feel that it is of utmost importance. You probably feel that your beliefs about God are at least of some importance. I invite you to read on! I hope that what you will read intelligently leads you about just how important the beliefs about God really are. And "HONESTLY" investigate the evidence with rigorous and systematic academic assault. But remember the faith that the Bible requires is intelligent faith and "no one is asked to sacrifice his/her intellect " when faith place or put in the God of the Bible.
If I speak in the languages of humans and angels but have no love, I have become a reverberating gong or a clashing cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can understand all secrets and every form of knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains but have no love, I am nothing. Even if I give away everything that I have and sacrifice myself, but have no love, I gain nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Salvation by Grace through Faith!
The atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the absolute guarantee of the believer’s salvation (Rom. 8:34). The "only sufficient", sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ has been shed, and it is by that blood God has been propitiated (I John 2:2). The divine penalty has been born by Christ (I Peter 2:24; 3:18).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s seal upon the death of Jesus that guarantees the believer’s resurrection and eternal life (John 3:16; 10:28). The resurrection of Jesus proves that His substitutionary work on the cross is infinitely perfect in its all sufficiency.
The offer of salvation is to all who will repent and believe on Jesus Christ. "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all" (1 Timothy 1:15). It is His desire that all individuals trust in Christ and be saved. "Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Salvation is not universal, and it is not automatic. All religions do not lead to the same place. Salvation comes only by trust in Jesus Christ. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6a). “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Only the individual who calls upon the name of Jesus will be saved (Acts 2:21). “For whoever will call upon the name of The Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).
Salvation comes to us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. “We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus…” (Acts 15:11). “Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:5). And then to make his point emphatically clear the apostle Paul wrote, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God saves us, not in virtue of our works, but in virtue of the atoning work of Jesus Christ on behalf of the sinner (II Tim. 1:9). The Bible is emphatically clear beyond any doubt that every person does not deserve or merit, and cannot win salvation. Salvation depends on the grace of God alone. It is God’s free gift to men and women all over the world. It is given in mercy out of love, and is totally underserved. Although salvation is free as the absolute gift of God, an individual receives it by faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8. No, faith is not a work. Faith is not something you psych yourself up to. Faith means accepting Jesus Christ at His word. “They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Salvation is God’s free gift to you and received as you would any other gift with empty open hands. Will you believe on Jesus Christ and receive His free gift to you right now? "For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:10).
Salvation Prayer
If you believe that the Bible offers truth about the way to salvation, but you have not made the decision yet to become a Christian, it's as simple as praying this prayer. You can pray by yourself, using your own words. There is no special formula. Just pray from your heart to God, and He will save you. If you feel lost and just don’t know what to pray, here’s a prayer of salvation that you can pray:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I am a sinner, I confess and repent of my sins. I ask you to forgive me. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, to save me. Lord, I give and commit my life to you. Help me and enable me to obey you daily. Be my guide, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you in heaven. In Jesus Christ name I pray...Amen.
If you're wondering what to do next as a new Christian, check out these helpful suggestions:
Are you a brand new follower of Christ, wondering where to get started on your journey? Here are 4 essential steps to move you forward toward spiritual growth. Though simple, they are vital to building your relationship with the Lord.
Step 1 – Read your Bible daily. Find a Bible reading plan that’s right for you. A plan will keep you from missing anything God has written in His Word. Also, if you follow the plan, you’ll be on your way to reading through the Bible once every year! The easiest way to truly “grow up” in the faith is to make Bible reading a priority.
Step 2 – Attend church services regularly. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly with other believers.(Hebrews 10:25) This is also fundamental to spiritual growth.
Step 3 – Get involved in a ministry group. Most churches offer small groups and many ministry opportunities. Pray and ask God where you should “plug in.” It’s the people who really “get plugged in” that find their purpose and soar in their walk with Christ. Sometimes this takes a little time, but most churches offer classes or counseling to help you find the place that’s right for you. Don’t get discouraged if the first thing you try doesn’t seem to fit.
Step 4 – Pray daily. Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words. There are no right and wrong words. Just be yourself. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation. Pray for others in need. Pray for direction. Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with His Holy Spirit. There is no limit to prayer. You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while sitting or standing, kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin to make prayer a part of your daily routine.
God Bless you and Enjoy!
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6
